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We're always talking about protection. More specifically, protection for yourself. But now it's about time we show our bikes a bit of love too.

Our motorcycles also need protection from potential crashes and the often harsh conditions of the road. After all, no one wants a damaged bike and I don't care what you say, no matter what, it hurts to shell out hundreds of dollars in repairs. Not to mention it's a hassle.

We can take some preemptive measures by installing some small protective items. To me, it's well worth it to invest a little bit of money now in bike protection, than to risk it and have to pay hundreds (or even total your bike!) later when something does happen.

These are some very simple ways you can protect your bike:

Frame Sliders

We all know how devastating it can for our bikes during even minor crashes, especially if the bike slides. Heck, even an accidental tip-over can be super costly.

Frame sliders are the easiest protective measure for your bike in these cases! These are a little cylindrical piece that you mount to your bike's frame, so that if your bike goes down, this piece will catch it and slide across the road.

This measure minimizes the damage to your fairing, or if you have a naked bike, to the frame and hard part (which you definitely don't want to damage!). It's not a guarantee that you can ride away with a completely undamaged bike, but the point is that you can ride away with it with just superficial damages.

For around $50-$200, this is one of the best things you can do for your bike. It's silly to think that you won't ever be involved in a crash. There are no-cut kits (no bodywork cutting required for installation) available for more modern sportbikes, so for such an easy installation and good price, you'd be sorry you didn't get one if anything did happen.

Bar Ends

In a crash scenario, the bars are often at the forefront of taking the damage from the crash force. Bar ends are designed to take the hit of the crash so your more expensive parts don't take the brunt of it.

In addition to protection, they also serve another important purpose: the additional weight of the bar ends also help to dampen the vibration at the handlebar area. Which means more comfortable and stress-ride long rides. Seriously, just try the difference between riding with bar ends and without. Your hands will thank you for it.

Because of how important bar ends are, make sure to choose high quality ones. Bar ends also add some style to your bike. Some bar ends are even designed to accommodate bar end mirrors. Most manufacturers offer both frame sliders and bar ends, so make sure to buy a matching set!

Engine Guards/Crash bar

Same thing, different name. Crash bars are typically used on dual-sport/adventure bikes, though some cruisers use them too. They are tubes of steel attached to the bike for the purpose of distributing the force of the impact in case of a crash. When the bike goes down, the crash bar will be first part of the bike to hit the ground.

Just like with frame sliders, its purpose is not to completely protect the bike from damage, but rather to protect the vulnerable expensive parts from damage. Most of the time, this is the frame, engine, and gas tank.

It's important to get high quality crash guards, since they are meant to protect the important pieces of the bike. A cheap engine guard won't even protect what it claims to guard - the engine.

Note that crash bars are meant to protect the bike, not the rider. This seems to be a huge debate in the motorcycling community. If you're in a crash and are thrown from the bike, guess what, a crash bar isn't going to do you any good. Only if you fall over with the bike, it may limit injuries to the leg/ankle/foot. So do NOT get a crash bar and think that it means you can lessen awareness.

Handguards

Because of the nature of this type of riding, the hands often take the worst of the beating. Even if you're smart and wearing gloves, your hands can be subjected to slapping of branches, flying rocks, roost, etc. And at worst case scenario, if you ride your grips into a tree, your hands are going to be in big trouble. Basically, gloves alone will not do the trick when you're taking your bike off-road.

This is when handguards come in handy (ha!). These are durable plastic pieces that attach to your handlebars, so that your hands stay completely protected from all kinds of extreme weather and road conditions. Not only do they protect your hands, they also protect your delicate clutch levers (for in cases if you run your bike into that aforementioned tree).

Handguards are easy to install and remove and come in a variety of options and colors, including vented ones and spring-loaded ones, which will flex back in case of a crash.

Our favorite handguards manufacturers are Bark Busters and Moose Racing, both of which are known for their high-quality,
durable, and sleek designs.

Skid Plates

This one is another must for the off-roaders. Skid platesprotect the delicate underbelly of your precious bike from flying rocks, branches, other debris. This is where all the expensive parts of your bike are located! A stray rock or branch can easily damage your casing or oil filter, causing you to not only end your day early, but also hundreds of dollars worth of damages.

Skiplates are not the cheapest (most are around $150 to $300), but trust us, it's a small investment to make to avoid a far, far more expensive repair job. When you wish you had one, it's already too late. We recommend a skidplate made with durable, lightweight aluminum or steel (NOT plastic), as plastic just can't stand up to the constant beating of rocks.

A lot of people wonder if they really need these. The answer is no, you don't NEED them, but you'll be glad you had one in case anyone happens. Like I said, it's silly to think that you will never experience a crash. It's better to invest in these now, than to have to deal with the consequences of not having them later.

Do you use any of these on your bike? Has there been instances where you were glad you had them? Share your experience!

We talked about choosing the best Motocross bike, and now let's talk about versatile dirt bikes that work on the track as well as on the trail.
Choosing the right dirt bike can be a tough call for someone new to the sport. There are even more variables to consider as compared with selecting an adventure bike or even a road bike. Because of the nature of dirt riding (whether that be motocross or enduro or dual sport), there are many factors to consider. The best bike for you depends on your ability, style and preferences.

Choosing a dirt bike

In our Motocross bikes post, we've already talked about how to choose a bike suited to your skill level and size (basically, don't buy a bigger bike than you can handle!). We also briefly went over why you would want to choose a 2-stroke engine over 4-stroke, or vice versa. To refrain from repeating information, we'll refer you over to that article.

There is one other big factor when thinking about what kind of dirt riding you want to do.

You want the right transmission for your specific type of riding. This is something that a lot of beginners fail to consider, but it's important as the gear ratio is different for the various types of off-road motorcycles.

If you're purely going to be riding MX, you want a close ratio gearing that is great in tight, technical terrain. MX bikes have close gears as you need acceleration to navigate the track, and NOT high speed riding over long distances.

If you're not going to ride mainly on the track, you can go more the enduro/dual sport route and you'll want a wider ratio of gears. This will be a lot more practical for varied riding in the real world. 1st and 2nd gear are usually lower than those on an MX bike, with 3rd and 4th about the same. 5th gear is definitely taller on the enduros and most come with a 6th gear that a lot of MX bikes don't have. This is great when the terrain is calling you to open the bike up. But this is probably best suited for another article.

We'll split our recommendations up into 2-strokes and 4-strokes. Let's get into it!

2-Strokes

The classic, tried-and-true 250 2-stroke has been a popular choice for a lot of technical off-road riders. 2-stroke bikes are more powerful and more nimble, which is great for navigating extreme riding conditions. But because of their power, they're best suited for more experienced riders.

KTM dominates the market of the 2-strokes. And there's none better than the 250XC.

The KTM250XC is a classic favorite for serious dirt riders. This fierce little machine features electric starter and a 6-speed transmission. At 222 pounds, the 250XC delivers awesome power-to-weight ratio for unrivaled performance. The modern frame is designed for maximum longitudinal stiffness and optimum torsional stiffness. And the WP Four Chamber System (4CS) upside-down fork and WP shock are specifically tuned for racing cross-country.

If 250cc is not quite enough power, 2-stroke aficionados have even more options with 2-stroke 300cc MX bikes from KTM, Husky, Beta, and Sherco. Popular options include Beta 300RR, KTM300XC, Husky TE300, and Sherco 300SE. Made popular by the world's best hard enduro riders, they put more power in lighter packages than most of us mere-mortals know what to do with.

Husky TE300 293cc 2-stroke

The Husqvarna TE300 is arguably the most powerful 2-stroke engine on the market with an output of 54 hp. Already a multiple championship winning bike, the 2016 version has many updates to make it even better. Most noticeably, the front-end geometry has been revised for improved handling. The 4CS fork and shock have been adjusted to improve damping, handling, and comfort. The lightweight 6-speed gearbox has been updated with enduro-specific gearing. This is a machine built to conquer every kind of terrain.

4-Strokes

4-stroke bikes, while not as powerful as their 2-stroke counterparts, are much more technologically advanced. This leads to smoother power delivery and a more comfortable ride. As such, it's a good choice for beginners.

Celebrated entries by Yamaha with the YZ450FX and more recently Honda's CRF450RX are moving from motocross-style machines to more of an off-road/enduro, GNCC type of discipline. This makes for a more practical performance machine in more natural terrain.

Yamaha YZ450FX 449cc 4-stroke

The Yamaha YZ450FX (MSRP $8,999) has a 449cc liquid cooled 4-stroke engine derived from the popular YZ450F, and 5-speed transmission that makes it versatile in different terrain. Yamaha's goal for this bike is something that would be durable and nimble enough to stand up to the harsh demands of cross-country/enduro riding. It has become one of the top bikes to beat in competitions, and has helped Yamaha achieve notoriety for being one of the few brands to actually manage to gain relevance in both the 2-stroke & 4-stroke markets.

Honda CRF450RX 449cc 4-stroke

Honda birthed the CRF450RX to move the previous CRF450X forward for riders who needed a better long distance off-road experience. This GNCC bike is designed for cross-country competition with electric starting as standard (with manual backup starter), new Geomax AT81 tires, and fully adjustable Showa Spring Fork and suspension. The RX also has an 18" rear wheel and a larger plastic fuel tank.

It's still hot as hell in Southern California (hey that just means extended riding season!) but we know some of you guys are already experiencing the chill.

Whether you're braving the cold or want to extend your riding season, it's essential to keep yourself warm. The wind chill is no joke at high speeds. We've put together the essentials you'll need for fall riding from Alpinestars.

Warm technical base layers

The base layer is what is right up against your skin, so it's important that this layer is super comfortable and, most importantly, not trap moisture so you can stay dry.

Alpinestars' Tech Performance base layers are our go-to when the weather turns cold! They are specially designed for providing core temperature regulation, with double density fabric and moisture wicking material. The material is polypropylene with elastine fabric that'll hold up under abrasion. It's also compression fit for muscle support to reduce fatigue.

Warm Mid-Layer

The mid-layer is used between the base layers and the outer jacket for extra warmth. Alpinestar's Tech mid-layer is ergonomically shaped with pre-contoured sleeves. It's made with arctic fleece and has added wind-proofing performance for long rides in the cooling days. Details include zipped pockets and seamless lycra cuff with thumb loops.

We love that the jacket is stylish enough for everyday use as well as riding use. Multitasking item = more savings!

Warm Balaclava & Neck Warmers

Admittedly, not the coolest looking gear, but when it gets really cold, these may just become your new favorite accessory. The Alpinestars open face balaclava is designed with heavyweight moisture wicking material to keep you cool and dry in any season. It's extra longfor added neck protection and has flat lock seams and a strategic chin panel for comfort.

Or if you're not a fan of the balaclava, you may find that the Tech Neck Warmer is more comfortable and offers moe freedom of movement. It's made of a super soft 4-way stretch reversed micro-fleece in a moisture wicking material. There's an elasticized insert to keep it in place.

Gloves

And lastly, we've got a few great options for cold-weather gloves from Alpinestars. It's extremely important to keep your hands warm (and dry!) as cold fingers mean less control. Therefore, it's important that the gloves be waterproof and insulated.

For shorter rides or commuting, we recommend the Corozal Drystar Gloves. This durable leather short-cuff glove is made with Alpinestars' waterproof DRYSTAR technology for excellent wet weather protection.

The Valparaiso DRYSTAR Gloves is a longer-length glove made for versatile adventure touring in all weather. It's made with Alpinestars' DRYSTAR waterproof and breathable membrane and a warm insulating layer. It has a leather palm and a textile & leather back, fourchettes, and cuff. It has all the protective features, including knuckle protectors, patented finger bridge, EVA padded finger protection, and reinforcements in key impact zones.

The Apex Drystar Gloves is made with a mix of leather and textile and features an extra warm thermal velour liner. It's made with Alpinestars' 100% waterproof DRYSTAR membrane to keep your hands dry. You can expect all of Alpinestars' protective features, including knuckle protectors, patented finger bridge, EVA padded finger protection, and reinforcements in key impact zones.

A great all-weather glove is the Archer Gore-Tex Gloves, which is designed for high-level performance no matter the weather condition. The premium glove has an innovative X-TRAFIT triple-layer fit structure with a fully waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX membrane. This special design allows for the glove to be lightweight and promote superb dexterity without the bulk of normal winter gloves.

When you've got your bum glued to a seat for hours, you'd want it to be comfortable. If your bum's going numb or slip and sliding around too much, then you know your stock seat is probably not doing it. You'd be amazed at how much difference an aftermarket seat will make to your comfort. Just say no to monkey butt!!

Here are our favorite brands for aftermarket motorcycle seats.

Sargent Seats

Sargent (with a history spanning over 80 years) is renowned for their World Sport Performance Seats for all biking segments. Their products have become the go-to aftermarket motorcycle seats. Their mission is to provide high-quality, comfortable, lightweight, and attractive seats for all riders.

Each Sargent seat is made in the USA with a precision molded base pan. Sargent seats are come with a high-tech CarbonFX vinyl cover and Super Cell Atomic Foam for superior comfort and support. They are lightweight and each has a under-seat storage system.

Sargent World Sport Performance Seats:

Sargent's World Sport Performance Seats are made with precision technology and high-quality materials. Each seat is tailor made to
be a specific fit for its designated bike model. The seats are made of an advanced Super Cell Atomic Foam that increases comfort, while avoiding the excess weight of gel. And they are covered with a marine-grade UV-stablized, mildew-resistant, damn near waterproof carbonFx vinyl.

The Sargent World Sport Performance seat is available in several configurations: Standard, which is designed to match the lines of your bike; Enduro, designed for dual-sport where you'll have to shift back and forth on the seat (it's also super comfortable for long-distance rides, whether on or off the road); and 2-UP, which is absolutely the best for long rides with a passenger.

Saddlemen

Founded in 1987, Saddlemen has become an industry leader in motorcycle seats and luggage, redefining the way riders transport their belonging on a bike. Their products are known for their comfort, quality, and stylish design. Saddlemen seats are made with an exclusive combination of saddle gel and formulated black magic foam with carefully shaped contours. All seats are designed to fit the driver and passenger comfortably in various riding conditions.

Saddlemen SaddleGel:

Saddlemen is known for their special Gel Core technology and is the industry leader in gel seats. Their SaddleGel seats are engineered to absorb and dampen engine & road vibrations that are usually transferred in foam seats. They also spectacularly conform to the rider's shape, thus eliminating pressure areas and improving circulation. This makes long term riding so much easier on your butt.

One of our best selling line is the Saddlemen Gel-Channel
Sport Seat. This features a patent-pending gel channel technology that incorporates a split piece of SaddleGel and a channel in the base foam to better relieve pressure on the perineal area. In simpler words, the gel channel seat made long term sport-riding much easier on your
crotch.

Mustang (for cruisers)

Mustang was founded in 1980 by Al Simmons, a motorcycle enthusiast with an engineering degree. He used that knowledge, his own riding experience, and also time to travel to every State to listen to what motorcycle riders want. Starting from just a tiny operation making a few dozen seats a day, Mustang is now a worldwide leader. Today, Mustang is known for the highest quality seats for metric cruisers, Victory, and Harley-Davidson.

All Mustang seats are handcrafted in the USA by true craftsmen who manage to transform high-quality raw materials into beautiful, comfortable seats. Each seat is designed for both the rider's and passenger's comfort. Their mission is to produce comfortable seats at an affordable price for everyone.

Roland Sands (for cruisers)

Roland Sands Design (RSD) is relatively new, having just been founded in 2005. But already, they have proven to have become a worldwide influence. RSD is a motorcycle, product, and apparel company with roots in racing and custom bike building. Their fleet of custom motorcycles have been featured in over 500 magazine articles worldwide, with over 100 covers. They have a unique design style that has made them incredibly popular, and now their designs are available as aftermarket parts for any rider.

Fall is gonna be in full swing soon! For many of us, that means the last couple of months to ride before storing our bikes for the winter. The weather is usually perfect and it's just about the best time to take your motorcycle for a spin.

Autumn has always been my favorite time of the year to ride as we get a reprieve from the blazing summer heat. And California is a paradise for motorcycle riders. The State has practically any kind of natural terrain you can imagine, as well as iconic paved routes.

Whether you're a street thrill-seeker or an off-road enthusiast, here are 9 best places to ride in the fall in California!

1. Angeles Crest Highway - The Sportbike Mecca

Angeles Crest Highway is a favorite for SoCal riders. It's so close to Los Angeles, but you can feel
completely separated from the big city. Cutting through the Angeles National Forest, this 60 mile stretch of road boasts a lot of twisties in a beautiful mountain forest setting. The road condition is very good, so you can get into those turns and switchbacks without worrying about uneven surfaces. Go as high as 7,000 ft in elevation and see stunning view of the Angeles hills.

Start in La Canada and take Highway 2 up into the mountain, ending in Wrightwood (or choose various other paths). The ride starts with wide sweeping turns, but quickly goes into sharp corners and fast switchbacks. With corners named as Squid's Leap, make sure you have fun but ride carefully as motorcycle accidents are prone.

If you're in the mood for some grub, Newcomb's Ranch (about halfway up) is a popular spot for riders to meet up, get some tummy fuel, and socialize.

Time to ride: about 90 minutes

2. Malibu Canyon Roads - Tons of Options

Malibu Canyon is another favorite for local Los Angeles riders. You get incredible changes in landscape on this road, from the sparkling ocean to canyon roads to forest scenes.

Take the Latigo Canyon Road that starts from Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu. The 10 mile road up Latigo is one of the twistiest roads you can find in the Los Angeles area with challenging switchbacks and sharp turns. You can then connect to Kanan Dume Road, which leads to the famous Mulholland Drive - another fun twisty road that you can ride on until you reach the inaccessible part.

A stop by The Rock Storeon Mulholland Highway (a building made entirely out of volcanic rock)is a must since you're already in the area. This a famous biker hangout/pitstop where on weekends, you may see hundreds of bikes out front - the ultimate biker community!

Time to ride: with all the mixed canyon roads, you can spend all day there!

3. Azusa Canyon - Fun day ride in greater Los Angeles

This mountain road in the northeast region of Los Angeles is located in the San Gabriel Mountains. This ride has beautiful scenery with a variety of mountain terrain and a large change in elevation.

The difficulty level of the beginning sections is not too hard; the roads are made of wide, sweeping turns - perfect for novices. But the higher up the canyon you go, the road becomes much more technical. This includes hairpin turns, steeper inclines, and decreasing radius turns with multiple apexes.

Up the mountain is an intersection known as the Y - where East Fork Road, Glendora Ridge Road, and Glendora Mountain Road meet. Riders commonly reference 'the Y' as a landmark when preparing at the gas station at the freeway exit at the mouth of the canyon. Glendora Ridge Road, which is gentler and smoother, will take you across the range all the way to Mt. Baldy. Glendora Mountain Road, on the other hand, will take you back down. It's the most technical road of the three, so it's the preferred route for many. Why not ride down and back up?!

4. Ortega Highway (Hwy 74) - Quick canyon run

Ortega Highway isn't the most radical, knee-dragging highway in SoCal, but it's a solid go-to for anyone in Orange County, and is worth visiting if you're in the area. It can be great fun to ride through this twisty highway if you?re careful (watch out for deer! ? accidents are incredibly common). Beginning in the historic town of San Juan Capistrano and ending at Lake Elsinore, this 30-mile road up the mountain carves through the lush national forest and ends with a sweeping view over the glittering lake.

A huge bonus for Dual Sport riders are the well-traveled dirt roads via gates into the Cleveland National Forest. Beginners that take their time and watch for oncoming traffic will enjoy a ride on the Main Divide trail that spans all the way across the mountains, offering numerous opportunities to adventure in various distances with different destinations on either side of the mountain range. Check your map or GPS to make sure you stop at Santiago Peak, and be sure to verify that the exit gate you plan to use is open before you plan your route!

You'll also find the famous diner Hell's Kitchen along Highway 74 - a popular hangout and must-stop with the Harley crowd, but all riders are welcome. We stop here regardless of the bikes we're on! Another option is the Lookout Roadhouse at the top, which is a nice place to grab a bite and enjoy the view of Lake Elsinore.

Time to ride (pavement): less than 1 hour

5. California Route 36 - The twistiest road!

For street riders seeking some serious twists and thrills, you?ll have a lot of fun on this route, but BE CAREFUL! This 140 mile-long road in the Redding area (starting from Redbluff and ending in Fortuna) is EXTREMELY twisty. An entire 140 miles of twists, in fact. This is an exhausting ride purely because of how extra-alert you have to be at all times. But other rides may seem boring after this! The road is mostly smooth to ride on, but be alert because some parts don?t have guardrails, and it?s a long drop.

Time to ride: about 4 hours.

6. California Hwy 1 - Scenic ride along the coast

It is a rite of passage for SoCal dwellers to take this route at some point. For riding enthusiasts, it's a must. Hwy 1 is a favorite for those who want to take the more scenic route up north to San Francisco. Sure, it'll take you half as long if you just go directly up Hwy 5, but what's the fun in that? Aside from riding right next to the beautiful Pacific Ocean, you'll also hit some pretty awesome mountain curves once you get into Monterey County.

There are several insanely gorgeous stops along the way, such as Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Morro Bay, Big Sur, and Monterey Bay. Don't forget to stop by San Simeon to see elephant seals sunning themselves on the beach! It really is remarkable to pull off in the lovely designated parking area and peak down at these massive animals in their natural environment.

Time to ride: The long length of this ride is taxing, so allow for 2 days if you started by Malibu and your goal is San Francisco. There's plenty of sights along the way so plan accordingly!

7. Baja California - ride down a peninsula

Or, you can head South and reach Baja (the original California) - now a spectacular Mexican peninsula where you can find innumerable sleepy little towns on your way through mountains, deserts and sandy beaches. It's also a dream for off-roaders, as there are hundreds of miles of dirt trails of all different terrain. Just don't get lost in the wilderness out there! Also be careful to plan around large-scale professional events like the Baja 1000.

For the street-riders who are craving an epic adventure, you can ride 1,000 miles of paved road (Highway 1) down the entire peninsula, starting in Tijuana and ending in beautiful Cabo San Lucas.

Tips: this is at least an overnight trip if you're starting from Los Angeles. Bring your passport and proof of ownership of your bike. And be extra careful of safety and don?t do anything stupid (ahem, as in, don?t bring anything illegal and keep your wits about you).

8. Big Bear - SoCal mountain trails for all riders

Big Bear has lots of options for off-road enthusiasts and thrill-seeking street guys. There are dozens of off-road trails snaking through Big Bear Mountain and the surrounding areas. You'll have fun discovering and conquering each one. Most of them are hard compacted dirt with loose rocks, but there are very challenging trails with large rocks as well. If it's your first time in the area mind the posted signs and be prepared for a variety of weather and change in temperature.

On the other hand, if you prefer street riding or have a passenger, an option for you is to the do the loop around Big Bear Lake. You'll start at the base of the mountain in Highland and continue up 330 and 18 East until you get to the Lake. This is a fun twisty road. After you make a loop around the lake, Big Bear has a charming little village where you can chill and grab a bite.

This is absolutely one of our favorite destinations since it feels like you're worlds away even though it's right on our backyard.

Time to ride: about 2.5 hour for the lake loop to go up and down.

9. El Paso Mountains - Off-road canyon fun

El Paso Mountains in the northern Mojave Desert is an awesome fun ride for the off-roaders. The desert landscape is almost surreal. You'll go through incredibly rocky areas where the ground is littered with rocks as big as your fist, dirt paths with the red canyon cliffs rising up on either side of you, and flat desertscape where you can see for miles. You may even spot a few native desert tortoises (please don't touch)! As you gain elevation, the view of the valley below is just amazing.

A good target destination is Last Chance Canyon, a depression-era mining site, and the BurroSchmidt Tunnel, a mysterious half-mile long tunnel entirely dug by hand through solid rock over 3 decades.

Tips: El Paso is a great time to ride in the fall (October and later) as it's very hot in the summer. Be careful though that you can only ride in areas where there is an "OPEN" sign; a fine is very costly here!

10. Lake Tahoe - Breathtaking alpine scenery

Tahoe is another location that offers a ton of riding options for riders of every level. Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in the United States, and the 80-mile loop around it is perfect for the novice rider, not to mention the breathtaking scenery by your side at every turn. If off-road riding is more your style, there are also hundreds of miles of trails in the Tahoe area.

If you want to venture out into the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe, you can go to the tiny town of Genoa from 207 through Kingsbury. There, the main attraction is the charming little Genoa Bar and Saloon - the oldest drinking establishment in Nevada! This bar has seen a lot of famous visitors throughout its decades, and is now a famous pit stop for bikers to cure their thirst while reveling in a part of history.

11. Death Valley - Desertscape and Sand Dunes

It doesn't sound like it, but Death Valley is a beautiful ride. This ride takes you through the California desert into Nevada. You can have a really fun rocky ride in Echo Canyon, and then really get up to speed through a wide expanse of desert while dodging lots of cacti. A distinct landmark of this area is the Mesquite Dunes - massive rolling hills of soft sand shaped by the wind.

This is a great place to include on your route since you will have ridden through narrow, rocky canyons, riverbeds, and beautiful open desert to get here. Heads up noobs - the sand is super soft, and your bike can easily end up like this (ha!):

Are you gonna hit up any of these epic routes/trails this fall? Remember, bring plenty of water, extra fuel, and tire repair materials. If you're going alone, make sure someone knows where you are going, even what specific trail you're planning to ride. We've had too many crashes on desolate trails with our Solomoto team alone, so we urge everyone (especialy the solo-moto-ers) to take extra precautions!

Is this the new 2017 Yamaha YZF-R6? It seems to have been forever since a big revamp of the R6 has surfaced. It feels like the same bike since the major platform update debuted in 2006. Yes, I know, there has been changes since them but it's kind of ... been lookin' the same. We've been R6 fanboys, owning many ourselves including pair of 03 R6's and a pair of 06 R6's - that we've turn into trackday machines.

There's talks of a 3-cylinder, but we can take cues from the engine sound in Yamaha's teaser video. Perhaps not. I'm hoping we'll seeing something extraordinarily different. We're looking forward to a possible engine revamp, perhaps some high tech electronics and, of course, a re-do of the body style and fairing.

Will we see technology from Moto GP make it to the baby R1? It's hard to say. Stay tuned. The world will know what Yamaha's been up to on October 4, 2016.

Like any other motorcycle enthusiast out there, we're pretty obsessed with exhausts. We've already written several articles on exhausts and we're constantly giving new recommendations as they come to our attention.

So it's about time that we put together a guide of our favorite exhaust brands across the different types of bikes (with plenty of rec's of our favorites!).

Exhausts for Sport Bikes

M4

M4 is our top selling exhaust brand for sport bikes. They're renowned in the sportbike industry for their high-quality exhausts that deliver real performance. Their exhausts are developed through a long racing experience and extensive research and fine tuning.

M4 offers various GP, high-mount, race and street slayer styles in both full systems and slip-ons. Many systems eliminate that undesirable stock "exhaust box", which makes way for more power and a deeper sound. M4's exhausts are designed for closed-course competition only. M4 offers one-year warranty on their products for any defects in materials or workmanship.

Our best selling M4 exhaust is:- GP Slip-on: Get MotoGP performance and sound without breaking the bank with M4's popular slip-on. Each exhaust is beautifully designed to flow with the lines of the individual bike. Available in either black of titanium.

Yoshimura was founded in Japan in 1954 and since then has been consistently in the forefront of the aftermarket exhaust industry. Yoshimura has been associated with Factory Honda Racing and GEICO Honda Racing for quite some time, so their products are tested in the harshest environments. Yoshimura exhausts are designed to the highest standards of craftsmanship, quality, and aesthetics.

Our favorite Yoshimura exhaust is:- R-77
Slip-On: The Yoshimura R-77 slip-on is derived from racing. It features a trapezoid shaped muffler, which allows for maximized internal volume and in turn, delivers top performance. Available in stainless steel or carbon fiber.

Akrapovic is high renowned for their impeccably designed high performing exhausts and that unmistakable deeply resonant "Akrapovic sound". Akrapovic exhausts has become the go-to for top racing competitions (such as MotoGP, Supercross, and Crosscountry Rally), leading over 80 world champions to their wins.

The exhaust systems are crafted with high-quality engineering teams and advanced processes. The exhausts are formed with a hydroform process (where the shapes are formed with pressurized water), resulting in pieces that are structurally strong, yet lightweight.

Some of our favorite Akrapovic exhausts are:- Racing Line Full Exhaust: composed of stainless steel headers and mid-pipes coupled with titanium on its outer sleeve. The Racing Line offers a nice midpoint between value and top tier performance. (The premier Evolution line is identical, except it has titanium headers and mid-pipes)- Megaphone
Slip-On Exhaust: designed for race-oriented riders looking for a more affordable price point, this GP-styled slip-on is constructed entirely with titanium and is super lightweight.

Two Brothers was founded in America in 1985 with a mission to produce high quality aftermarket parts that delivers on the track. They grew into a factory-backed AMA Superbike team and by 1993, their success on the track catapulted them into giants in the aftermarket exhaust industry. Having the reputation of building the highest quality products, their exhausts are manufactured by patented processes and exclusive materials.

All Two Brothers exhausts systems have a limited 90 day warranty against defects in workmanship and/or materials with any kind of repair and replacement.

Exhausts for Off-Road Bikes

Pro-Circuit

Pro-Circuit was founded in 1978 by desert racing pro and motor tuning specialist, Mitch Payton. Initial customers were Huksy riders who wanted to same set-up as Mitch's personal racing bike. He soon branched out to include custom exhausts for other brands, and since then, over 50 riders have ridden for Pro-Circuit race teams, winning 29 AMA Championships.

Pro-Circuit provides two-stroke and four-stroke exhaust solutions for major off-road bike brands. Their exhausts are crafted for optimal performance as well as style. Pro-Circuit offers a limited 90 day product warranty from material and workmanship defects.

Some of our favorite Pro-Circuit Exhausts are:- Pro-Circuit Platinum Pipe (2-stroke): This is one of the most popular exhausts for 2-stroke dirt bikes. The platinum plating protects it from the rough wear and tear of off-road riding. It's of a stamped AKDQ high quality carbon steel construction with hand-welded and pounded seams.- T-4 GP
Full Exhaust (4-stroke): This is a tunable version of the full-race Ti-4R exhaust. You can remove the spark arrestor screen for closed course racing, and fasten the screen back on for off-road riding. The RC-4 Resonance Chamber are added to the head pipes to reduce noise.

FMF Racing was founded in 1973 by Don Emler, and since the first day, all exhausts are built by hand from start to finish in the U.S. Back when it started, single shock and water-cooled engines were the newest engineering feats. Now, we've got the aluminum chassis and electronic fuel injection. FMF has always been at the forefront of engineering and uses advanced machinery and high-quality materials for their exhausts.

FMF Racing offers a one year warranty again manufacturing defects, limited to the repair or replacement of the defective item.

Some of our favorite FMF exhausts are:- Q4 Slip-On
Exhaust: FMF is the leader in high performance quiet technology. It was designed with advanced engineering to locate baffles and chambers to absorb sound, without sacrificing power. It's one of the most quiet exhaust systems available, with a max
sound output of 96dB.- FMF Powercore 4 Slip-On: The Powercore 4 is a race-inspired exhaust at a bargain pricing. It features a durable stainless steel and aluminum construction, with a Hi-Flo end cap to boost performance. There's a removable spark arrestor and optional 96dB quiet insert.

Exhausts for Cruisers

Vance & Hines

Vance & Hines, an American manufacturer founded in 1979, is well known in the aftermarket exhaust market for their products for big twin cruisers. Created by drag racers, their exhausts have helped many other racers win championships over the past three decides. The founders are constantly pushing the boundaries of design, engineering, and technology to create better products.

Since being founded in the early 80's, Cobra has become one of the leading aftermarket cruiser products manufacturer. They offer a full line of performance parts and accessories and are one of the few companies that work with each of the major OEM motorcycle manufacturers. Their high quality exhausts include popular favorites such as the Speedsters and the new PowerPro 2-into-1.

Dating back to 1969, Bassani has been recognized as a leader in specialized exhaust component for over 40 years. They have a reputation for offering cutting edge technology to both professional racers and casual street riders alike. Bassani has truly mastered the trade. Their exhausts are often tested to have more horsepower and torque than the competition.

Bassani's exhausts are available in stainless steel with a lifetime warranty.

We're talking about pure MX today! Motocross (MX) is a very niche segment of riding, where riders compete on a natural dirt outfitted with jumps, and various obstacles. The course is very technical, designed so you have to constantly shift gears, make quick turns, clutch and brake, etc.

Motorcycle manufactures make bikes specifically for motocross. So what exactly is the difference between a MX bike and a dirt or off-road bike? They're all basically riding in the dirt, right??

Not exactly. All "dirt bikes" may look about the same, but there are subtle differences. In a nutshell, MX bikes tend to be lighter for nimble handing on the course. MX bikes also have more suspension because of all the jumps and pounding required of motocross. The gearing is also different; MX bikes have close ratio gearing that is great in tight, technical terrain.

In this article, we'll go over some factors to consider, and our favorite recommendations for some tried and true MX bikes.

Things to Consider:

The right bike for you depends several factors. Here are some things to consider when making a choice:

Your experience level:

If you're a noob, you'll want a smaller bike to start, which means staying in the 250cc, 4-stroke range. Remember, it's much easier to handle and learn on a smaller bike, so you'll be able to improve a lot faster than if you try to learn on a bike that may be more than you need.

2-stroke or 4-stroke?

This is a hot debate in the dirt bike world. Without going into the science of it, as that can be an entirely new post of its own, 2-strokes are an older technology as far as dirt bikes go, but they have specific advantages that will likely benefit a more experienced rider. 4-strokes took over the MX scene as larger displacement 450cc models made the platform even more desirable compared with 250cc 2-strokes. 4-strokes have a much more advanced design that allow for smoother power delivery and a more stable ride.

2-stroke engines are more powerful than their 4-stroke counterpart. They deliver up to what can feel like twice the power. Another major advantage is because of the simplicity of the engine, they're much lighter, which translates into nimble, faster, and more powerful bikes. They are also much cheaper to repair, but you have to deal with mixing your oil and fuel. 2-stokes typically make a lot more noise, but if you're a 2-stroke person, you wouldn't have it any other way.

There's really no superior option, so it just depends on what you want. If you're a beginner, you may want a 4-stroke as it's easier to control and you won't have to deal with shifting as much.

Your size:

Yes, your size matters too - not just the size of the bike. It especially matters on a MX bike because it affects the suspension and therefore, the performance and your comfort.

If you are on the smaller side (let's say under 150 pounds), go for a smaller bike. If you're a bigger guy, you'll probably be putting too much weight on the suspension. Most riders will benefit from springs and valving specific to their weight anyways but this will be for another article. Many modern bikes are fully adjustable, and ride decently if you dial them in for a mid-sized rider.

As for height, MX bikes generally are pretty tall so you're likely not going to be able to flat foot it while sitting on the bike but you should be able to easily use one leg on the peg and one leg off while you're stopped to hold the bike up right.

We're going to split up this article into smaller and larger dirt bikes and include our recommendations!

Smaller MX Bikes (250 - 300cc)

4-strokes:

A 4-stroke in the 250 class isn't quite enough power for most guys, but if you're a completely novice rider (or perhaps if you're going to let your child ride), you may find that the smooth power delivery of the 4-stroke is much more ideal.

We like the KTM 250SX-F.

KTM 250SX-F 250cc 4-stroke

The KTM 250SX-F has some of the best sets of features in its class. It comes with an electric starter, 6 speed gearbox, a hydraulic clutch, and boasts incredibly high horsepower that can reach 14,000 rpms. And KTM has made vast improvements to their machines' stability, power delivery, and braking.

The 250 4-stroke isn't quite enough for most guys, so
conveniently enough, more and more 300ccbikes have made their way to market.
Husky, KTM and Beta are all in the game. And Husky made the TE310 pretty popular as a "middleweight" bike for quite some time.

2-strokes:

Or maybe you want to feel the explosive power of the 2-stroke. The classic, tried-and-true 250 2-stroke has been a popular
choice for a lot of technical mx riders, including classics such as the Yamaha YZ250.

Yamaha YZ250 (MSRP starting at $7,399) is a classic go-to for the older MX crowd. At only about 227 lbs wet, it has an unbeatable power-to-weight ratio. The YZ250 underwent some major upgrades in recent years, including the new advanced KYB front fork that has a Speed-Sensitive feature that controls the damping force for smooth handling.

Bigger MX Bikes (450 - 500cc)

Light is right when you ride in the dirt; bigger is
definitely not better when terrain and weather decide to put your skills to the
test. That being said, the 450 class has some of the most awesomely versatile MX machines the planet has ever seen. Motocross keeps the 450's relevant in the overall off-road motorcycle segment and they're not slowing down any time soon.

Here are our favorites:

Yamaha YZF450F

The Yamaha YZF450F (MSRP starting at $8,590) features a 449cc 4-stroke engine with advanced fuel injection, and a rearward-slanted cylinder design for mass centralization. This innovative design allows the bike to deliver some serious power in a small, lightweight chassis (with the wet weight coming in at just under 250 lbs).

Honda CRF450R

The Honda CRF450R received some fine-tuning in the past year to make it even better on the track, namely in the suspension department. The front fork got about 5mm longer the rear got a new shock link, as well as new chain roller. This slight change made a noticeable improvement on the comfort and handling of the bike.

The CRF450R also has 3 engine modes: standard, smooth, and aggressive. And you can change between them by pushing a button on the handlebar. This allows for adjustment of power delivery based on the track's conditions. At MSRP of $8,699, this bike is now a better value than ever.

KTM 450 SX-F

The KTM 450 SX-F, a championship winning bike, got a major overhaul. The new design is emphasized on reducing weight, while increasing performance and comfort. Changes include a new compact lithium-ion battery, new airbox design, a newly designed lighter, more flexible frame, and a more comfortable ergonomic seat without adding weight. At 224 lbs (without fuel), this bike is the lightest in its class.

Which of these bikes do you have your eye on? Or do you have another bike that should be on this list?

Fall is here, so squeeze in your last couple of rides! (If you're in California, have you seen our list of epic places to ride in fall?) And at some point, for almost all of us, there will come a time when we put our bikes in hibernation until the warm season comes around again.

The last thing you want to do is take out your bike next year and find that it will need some work to revive it. To save yourself the headache and potential extra cost, here are some simple bike maintenance you should practice before storing your bike away.

Cleaning

Got a lazy Sunday afternoon?

That is the perfect time to pull your bike out,
gather some soap & water, and give it a little TLC. We know you've been
meaning to get to it, but stuff comes up. Meanwhile your beauty has turned into
a beast and gotten covered with dust, dirt, and God knows how many insect guts from your summer rides. Letting all of that gunk and grime settle over the cold winter months
may make it next to impossible to clean when the warmer seasons roll around.

To really make your bike shine like new, you may need something a tad stronger than just soap and water. Here are some cleaning products we like and use:

Tires

There are a few reasons to take care of your bike's tires
before you put your bike away for the fall and winter months. Flats, blowouts,
flat spots, and low tire treads are all no bueno, and could cost you a lot of
time and money when good riding weather returns.

Take a look at your bike's
tire pressure. If your bike's tires are over inflated, it could cause a blowout.
Alternatively, you don't want your tire pressure too low either. Sitting still for months on end can cause flat spots, and take years of life
off of your bike's tires.

Tire treads below 1-2 mm of depth may need to be
replaced altogether. And if you have an off-road bike and the knobbies are in pretty bad shape after abusing it for a season, you can extend the tires' lifetime by re-sculpting them back into shape with a Knobby Knife. It essentially allows you to cut the worn knobbies into crisp and square edges again.

Shaft Drives and
Chains

We know you'll roll your eyes on this one, but trust us, you should honestly lube up your chains each time you ride (clean them first if there's gunk on them). That way the lube spreads and absorbs into the warmed metals easier.

Practicing proper chain care will extend the lifetime of your chains and sprockets. Chains and their many parts are likely to rust and corrode if not properly lubed before a long layoff. If there's already some significant rusting, then it's best to just go ahead and replace them.

If you have a shaft drive, you will want to have a thorough inspection of your shaft
drive's oil level before locking the 2-wheeler away. It is generally a good
rule of thumb to change the oil in your shaft drive whenever you change the oil
in your bike (around every 3500 miles), but definitely do it when things start
to cool down. That way there is no major buildup of gunk and other contaminants
to shut you down prematurely.

Battery

I'm sure we all know what it's like to be met with a dead battery when we want to ride again after months of inactivity. But it's seriously annoying to have to remember to pull your bike out of hibernation every two weeks to start it
up. Whenever you notice that your lights are dimming and it's having trouble
starting, that's when you know it's in trouble.

You can keep your lead acid battery alive during the months in storage with a battery tender. This will safely maintain the battery at a full charge without overcharging it and inflicting trickling charge damages.

Or you can invest in alithium battery, which is lighter and lasts significantly longer when not in used compared to lead acid batteries. A lithium battery will only loose 3-10% of its charge per year if stored, so you don't have to worry about a dead bike when you're ready to ride again next year.

Keeping The Oil
Topped Up

If you want your bike to maintain the crisp performance you
have come accustomed to, you'll need to make sure you keep the oil topped up with a regular schedule. You should be able to find all the info you will need
in your bike's service manual: frequency, types of oil, etc. Shoot for an oil
change around every 3500-ish miles to be safe.

Another thing to keep in mind is
that your bike will be resting during the winter months, so make sure you don't
start it after the oil's been changed (unless you don't have a choice but to do
so to keep the battery alive). Starting the bike can contaminate the fresh oil and
nullify the effects of having changed the oil in the first place.

Perform a check on all the other fluids as well and top up if necessary. For brake fluids, We recommend:
- Motul Dot 5.1: a top-notch brake fluid that will go great in any of your motorized vehicles.
- Motul RBF600 Racing Brake Fluid: for performance riders
- Mityvac bleeder: our go-to brake bleeder, as it always flawlessly eliminates even the tiniest amount of air remaining in the brake lines.

Mirrors may seem like such a simple component of your bike. But just like everything else, they make a difference in your riding experience and safety.

Mirrors can affect your ride if they:

- vibrate too much

- have low visibility: view is restricted and you can't see everything behind you

- aren't at the right height for the rider

- aren't durable and break easily if bike is dropped

Riders often find that the stock mirrors are not ideal for them, as stock products tend to be "one size fits all", and well... everyone is a different size. Maybe you find that your own body is taking up too much of the space in the mirror and you can't see the actual traffic around you as much. An aftermarket mirror that's more suited for you will allow a wider field of vision, which will keep you safer on the streets.

And of course, aftermarket mirrors tend to be a lot more attractive too. It's another way to inject more of your individualism into your bike.

Types of Mirrors

You wouldn't think there are so many styles to consider. It's just mirrors after all! But what you get is important as mirrors are an integral part of your safety on the street.

What kind of mounting do you want?

bar end // bar mounted// fairing mounted

- Bar end mirrors: This is one of the most popular types. These mirrors are either clamped to the end of your handlebars or have an insert that slides into the bar (Rhinomoto makes great, high quality weight bar ends). This position at the end allows for the widest range of vision.

- Bar mounted mirrors: These are mounted to the handlebar (not at the bar end) before the grip. This doesn't give you as wide of a range of vision as the mirrors are closer in.

- Fairing mounted mirrors: This offers a slightly more unique look. The mirror is mounted on the fairing instead of the handlebar. This kind of styling is popular with sportbikes due to the position of the handlebars being more forward.

Some other factors to consider:

- Glass type: Typically, mirrors will come in either flat glass or convex glass. You know that familiar sticker we all see on car mirrors: "Objects in mirror are closer than they appear"? This is because the glass is convex. It has a curved surface outwards, providing a wide range of vision.

Flat glass is like the mirror in your bathroom. The field of vision isn't as wide, but there are no tricks on the distances.

- Size of mirror: Since you're personalizing your bike, you can decide how big or small you want the mirrors to be. With small mirrors, of course you won't be able to see as much (duh). So it's best if you choose convex glass for more range of vision.

- Length of mirror stem: Some rider find that longer stems help with visibility. But make sure they're not too long. It's best to still have a bit of your body (like your shoulder) in the mirror so you can have a frame of reference to judge the distance.

- LED lights: Some mirrors have LED lights for turn signals, which is helpful especially when riding after dark. Just an extra safety measure. You may want to consider this if you use your bike as your main mode of transport, including commuting.

Now, let's take a look at some of our favorite mirror recommendations, for their functionality and style.

Rizoma

Started by two brothers in the mid-90's, Rizoma produces a line of innovative, premium accessories with an exceptional attention to detail. They are especially well-known for their side mirrors and turn signals, which are unmatched in the motorcycle aftermarket industry. All Rizoma parts are designed and manufactured in Italy using high-quality materials such as composite fibers and aluminum. While Rizoma is still a relatively new company, it has gathered a large, loyal following (especially with BMW and Ducati riders).

Rizoma Dynamic
Universal Mirror ($73)

While simplistic, this beautiful mirror still makes a statement. It's designed with beveled edges
that invoke a look of elegance and class. You could say the Dynamic Universal mirrors are - easily - one of the most efficiently designed mirrors that
Rizoma offers. They are available in a clear finish, a black
finish, or an anodized polished finish. However, keep in mind, adapters for
these mirrors must be purchased separately. Can be mounted on any bike.

Rizoma Reverse Retro
Universal Mirror ($91)

The Rizoma Reverse Retro Universal Mirror is a good choice for naked bikes to enhance that "street fighter" look. They have a cool retro style that's a good alternative to the "antenna" mirrors. They are reversible and can be mounted left or right, above or below the bar ends. The heavier weight of these mirrors allows for better stability. They are available to be used with Motovation's Universal bar ends and Rizoma's own non-tapered
bar ends. Can be mounted on any non-tapered handlebars with 22-30mm OD, as long as there's 12mm of bare bar at the end.

Constructor Racing Group (CRG) Mirrors

CRG makes the only CNC machined mirrors on the market. Everything made by CRG is manufactured in-house with computer numerically controlled machining processes. And all parts are cut from solid aluminum billets. This process is not the cheapest, but it produces parts with the highest degree of precision and finish. And so CNC machining is the standard for race-quality bikes.

CRG Arrow Bar End
Mirror ($93.56)

With a no-frills minimalist design, the CRG Arrow Bar End Mirror is for the new generation of sportbikes and naked bikes. It's made of a durable billet aluminum material so that it can withstand nicks and scratches, and will last for a long lifetime. It has convex glass that allows for a wider range of vision. Can be fitted on bare 7/8" bars. These mirrors pair very well with Rhinomoto Bar Ends for naked/unfaired bikes like the popular FZ-09.

CRG Hindsight 3"
LS Bar End Folding Mirror ($67.96)

There's a reason why this is named the Lane Splitter (that's the LS part) mirror! It folds when you need additional clearance through tight spaces, AND it will automatically retract if you collide with another object. Its of an aluminum CNC machined billet construction, and is strong
enough to withstand potential accidents and damages. The CRG Hindsight 3? LSBar End Folding Mirror will fit most 7/8" handlebars, as long as there's 3/8" bare bar (not covered by the grip). And there is an optional Adapter Kit that allows mounting on virtually any handlebar/clip-on.

Performance Machine (for Cruisers)

Performance Machine, founded in 1970, is known for their high-quality accessories for Harleys, offering a wide range of products for customization. They understand that style and individualism is important, but also without quality and function should never be compromised.

Performance Machine is known for their progressive engineering technology and everything is made in their state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. The brand represents luxury, custom, clean and elegant styling. Such as this Performance Machine Vision Series Arrow XL Mirror ($59.46). It has a beautiful elegant style with impeccable finish.

Doubletake Mirrors (for Dual Sport/ADV)

Do you need a mirror for your off-roading excursions that's
damn near indestructible? If so, our absolute favorite ones are theDoubletake
Mirrors (read our detailed review or watch Aram demo it from a trip). These bad boys are made from reinforced Zytel nylon resin, and we can tell you from experience that they are very durable (Aram tends to dump his bike a lot).

The height, length of mount, and angle of the mirror can be adjusted in about every direction you would need. And when riding in tough off-road situations, they can be swiveled down and locked in place, protecting them against any potential crashes. The visibility is great and the vibration is minimal, even on rough terrain.